A STUDENT who was found drink driving after going out to get fast food in the early hours of the morning has been banned from driving for 20 months.

Engineering student Thomas Charles Leach was found to have 83mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when he was stopped by police at about 4am on March 3, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court in County Durham was told.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bambro said Leach, who is originally from Oxford but is studying at Durham University, had driven to the McDonalds at Thinford near Spennymoor to get some breakfast after going out drinking the previous night.

Callum Terry in mitigation said Leach, 23, of Lark Hill in Oxford, had stopped drinking several hours before and believed he would be alright to drive.

Mr Terry said Leach is due to start a job at a leading car manufacturer in the summer and any driving ban will have a significant impact on his employment.

The solicitor said Leach takes full responsibilities for his actions.

Magistrates banned Leach from driving for 20 months, which would be reduced if he completes the drink driver’s rehabilitation scheme.

They also ordered him to pay £215 in fines and costs.